Police investigate dead body at Independence & Brighton

Police were called to a vacant lot behind the Fast Stop at Independence and Brighton around 6 a.m. today on a call of an unresponsive individual in a homeless camp. Upon further investigation, officers determined the man was deceased. The man, a Native American man in his mid-50s was well known along Independence Avenue and was a regular at a number of area shelters and food kitchens. According to a source with Children’s Memorial Lutheran Church, the deceased man was a star athlete in high school and college and didn’t fall into the homeless cycle until later in life.

According to a Facebook post by an area neighborhood association president, the problem with the homeless camps along the Avenue is an ongoing one. He noted the owners of the business have repeatedly tried to resolve the issue through normal channels, but no resolution to the situation has occurred despite numerous attempts to do so. The camp, shown here in a picture that was taken two days ago, offers a glimpse into the camp and its regular occupants.

According to police, the death is being investigated as a homicide and foul play appears to be involved. The name of the deceased has not been released, pending the formal notification of relatives.